Fiber Optic Sensors for Downhole Device Position Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting the operational position of downhole moveable devices, such as sliding sleeves, are limited by requiring customized components with magnets or optical sensors, increasing costs and complexity, and can only detect fully open or fully closed positions, making them unsuitable for conventional sleeves and existing deployments.
Innovation Solution
The use of fiber optic sensors deployed in the wellbore to detect the operational position of downhole moveable devices by emitting and receiving magnetic or electric fields, generating response signals that are processed to determine the position, allowing for real-time, interventionless detection without the need for logging or substantial modifications to existing devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mechanical sensing methods are used to detect the gap between the insert and housing, then the operational position can be detected, but the method is unreliable and difficult to interpret
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical sensing methods with electromagnetic field-based detection using fiber optic sensors. Instead of mechanically measuring the gap between the insert and housing, the system uses electromagnetic fields that interact with the moveable device to produce secondary fields detected by fiber optic sensors, eliminating mechanical contact and improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic fields as an intermediary between the moveable device and the detection system. The electromagnetic fields interact with the moveable device to produce secondary electromagnetic fields, which are then detected by fiber optic sensors, serving as a non-contact mediator that transfers information about device position without mechanical contact.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If customized sliding sleeves with magnets or optical sensors are used, then position detection is enabled, but the cost and complexity of sliding sleeves increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal detection system that can detect the position of conventional sliding sleeves without requiring customization. The fiber optic sensor system with electromagnetic field interaction can detect positions of any moveable device that responds to electromagnetic fields, making the detection method universally applicable to existing conventional sleeves rather than requiring customized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the need for customized mechanical sensing components (magnets, optical sensors embedded in the sleeve) with an external electromagnetic field-based detection system using fiber optic sensors. This substitution eliminates the need to modify the sliding sleeve design while maintaining detection capability.
3Measurement precision
If conventional detection methods are used, then fully open or fully closed positions can be detected, but partially open positions cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic detection capability that can detect the operational position of the moveable device at any point along its range of motion, not just at discrete endpoints. The fiber optic sensor system continuously monitors electromagnetic field interactions as the device moves, enabling detection of partially open positions and providing continuous position information throughout the full range of motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces discrete mechanical endpoint detection with continuous electromagnetic field-based detection. The fiber optic sensors detect secondary electromagnetic fields produced at any position of the moveable device, enabling continuous monitoring of partially open positions rather than only detecting fully open or fully closed states.
4Loss of information
If logging operations are required for detection, then position information can be obtained, but the process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the fiber optic sensor system to directly detect and provide position information without requiring external logging operations. The electromagnetic field interaction and secondary field detection occur in real-time, allowing the system to self-determine device position continuously without needing separate logging tools or procedures to retrieve position data.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate detection of the operational position of downhole moveable devices, including partially open positions, without the need for customized components, reducing costs and complexity, and providing real-time monitoring without the requirement for active electronic components or logging operations.
Implementation Method 1
emitting electric or magnetic fields into a wellbore which interact with a moveable device to produce secondary electric or magnetic fields; detecting the secondary electric or magnetic fields
Data Source
AI summary
Fiber optic sensors are described for detecting the operational position of a downhole moveable device. In one example, an electric or magnetic field is emitted into the wellbore and interacts with the moveable assembly, thereby producing a secondary electric or magnetic field. The secondary field is detected by a fiber optic sensor which produces a corresponding response signal. The response signal is then processed in a variety of ways to determine the operational position of the moveable device. In another example, the operational position is determined using fiber optic temperature or acoustic sensors. A temperature or acoustic vibration reading is acquired before and after actuation of the moveable device. The two readings are then compared to determine the operation position of the moveable device.